New Chapter, Clear Message
Supermodel Gisele Bündchen has once again demonstrated that her heart belongs entirely to her new family. On Father’s Day in the United States, the 45-year-old took to Instagram to post a series of tender family photographs, publicly praising her husband Joaquim Valente and her own father while pointedly ignoring her ex-husband, NFL legend Tom Brady. The posts, which quickly went viral, illustrate Bündchen’s commitment to building a life with Valente and her children, leaving little room for the past.
Bündchen accompanied the photos with a heartfelt caption: “Happy Father’s Day, Joaquim Valente! Thank you for leading by example and for the values you embody: love, humility, integrity, discipline, kindness, and consistency. You are an incredible role model. We are all so grateful for you and love you so much.” The images included a beach shot of Bündchen, Valente, and their baby boy standing before a rainbow; a studio photo of Valente on the floor with the baby crawling on him; and family pictures including Bündchen’s two older children—Vivian Lake, 13, and Benjamin Rein, 16—who are from her previous marriage to Brady.
The message was strikingly different from the tone Bündchen used during her marriage to Brady. While she often shared family moments with him in the past, the Father’s Day post made no mention of the quarterback, who is the biological father of Vivian and Benjamin. Instead, Bündchen reserved her public gratitude for Valente and her own father, writing, “Thank you for your unconditional love, wisdom, and support in every phase of my life.”
From Power Couple to Separate Paths
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady were once considered the quintessential power couple. Married from 2009 to 2022, they dominated headlines not only for their respective careers but also for their seemingly idyllic family life. Bündchen, one of the highest-paid models in history, stepped back from the runway to support Brady’s football career, moving to various cities and managing the household while he pursued his legendary NFL journey. However, cracks began to appear after Brady’s brief retirement and subsequent return in 2022—a decision that reportedly strained the marriage.
In October 2022, the couple announced their divorce, with Bündchen stating they had “grown apart.” She later revealed in interviews that the split was painful but necessary for her own well-being and for the sake of their children. “It’s not easy to break up a family, but sometimes you have to do what’s best for everyone,” she told a magazine. The divorce was finalized later that year, and both moved on in different directions.
Brady, who is now 48 and retired from football for good after the 2023 season, has been linked to various women but remains officially single. He shares his fatherhood responsibilities among three children: Jack (18) from his previous relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan, and Benjamin and Vivian with Bündchen. On Mother’s Day, Brady posted a story acknowledging both mothers of his children—a gesture that Bündchen did not reciprocate on Father’s Day.
A New Life in Miami with Joaquim Valente
After the divorce, Bündchen quickly found love again with Joaquim Valente, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor she met through her children’s lessons. Their relationship blossomed quietly, away from the paparazzi, and they were first photographed together in 2022. Valente, who owns a martial arts studio in Miami, shares Bündchen’s passion for a healthy, grounded lifestyle. The couple married in a private ceremony in early 2025, shortly before the birth of their son in February 2025.
Bündchen has embraced motherhood again with enthusiasm. Sources close to the model say she is thriving in Miami, prioritizing family time and focusing on her wellness brand. She rarely speaks about her ex-husband in interviews, preferring to highlight her gratitude for her new partner and children. “Gisele is happier than she’s been in years. Joaquim is a wonderful father and stepfather, and they have created a peaceful home,” a friend shared.
The Father’s Day Snub: A Consistent Pattern
While Bündchen’s omission of Brady from her Father’s Day tribute may seem deliberate, it is consistent with her behavior since the divorce. She has not posted about Brady on social media for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries—since the separation. In contrast, Brady has occasionally mentioned Bündchen in a positive light. Last year, he called her an “amazing mother” in an interview. However, Bündchen has made it clear that she prefers not to engage publicly with her past relationship.
This latest post also comes amid ongoing rumors about tensions between the former couple regarding co-parenting. While both have stated they prioritize their children’s well-being, sources suggest that Bündchen’s new marriage has created a buffer that makes interactions with Brady less frequent. “She wants their children to have a relationship with their father, but she also wants to protect her new family unit. It’s a delicate balance,” a family insider said.
The hashtag GiseleBündchen trended on social media after the Father’s Day post, with fans divided between those praising her for moving on and others criticizing her for excluding Brady. Regardless, Bündchen’s actions speak louder than words: she is fully invested in her life with Valente and their son, and the cold shoulder to Brady is unmistakable.
Expanding the Narrative: Bündchen’s Impact on Fashion and Wellness
Beyond her personal life, Gisele Bündchen remains a towering figure in fashion and wellness. She retired from the runway in 2015 but continues to be a brand ambassador for several luxury labels and sustainable products. Her book, “Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life,” was a bestseller, and she actively advocates for environmental causes, organic farming, and mental health awareness. In 2024, she launched a new line of eco-friendly athleisure wear that combines her love for fitness with sustainability.
Her relationship with Valente has also influenced her public image. The couple often shares workouts, meditation retreats, and family moments on Instagram, portraying a serene, grounded life away from the glitz of the fashion world. Bündchen has spoken about how martial arts has helped her heal from the stress of her divorce and find inner peace. “Jiu-Jitsu teaches you discipline and resilience—qualities that are essential in life,” she said in a recent interview.
The model’s ability to reinvent herself after a high-profile split has inspired many. She has shown that age is no barrier to starting anew, whether in romance or career. With a combined net worth estimated at over $400 million, Bündchen is financially independent and makes choices based on happiness rather than necessity.
Brady’s response and the Co-Parenting Dynamics
Tom Brady has not publicly commented on Bündchen’s Father’s Day post. However, he did share his own posts on the day, including a photo with his three children, captioned: “My greatest blessings. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.” Unlike Bündchen, Brady included no specific shout-outs to partners or ex-partners. The contrast in their approaches reflects their different public personas: Brady is more focused on sports broadcasting, business ventures, and maintaining a positive image, while Bündchen is more private and selective about what she shares.
Co-parenting between them appears to be cordial but distant. Sources say they communicate primarily through assistants and have limited direct contact. The children split time between their parents’ homes, with Benjamin and Vivian spending most of their time in Miami with Bündchen and Valente, and visiting Brady in Florida or New York during holidays. Jack, who is now an adult, has a separate relationship with his father.
Experts note that Bündchen’s public snub may be a way to set boundaries and protect her new marriage. Psychologist Dr. Linda Harper comments: “When you move on from a high-profile relationship, it’s important to establish clear emotional boundaries. By not mentioning Brady, Bündchen is signaling that her current family is her priority. It doesn’t mean she hates him; it means she’s no longer invested in the narrative of their past.”
Cultural Context and Public Reaction
Father’s Day posts are a staple of celebrity social media, often used to praise partners, fathers, and stepfathers. Bündchen’s decision to spotlight Valente and her own father while omitting Brady is particularly striking given her massive following and the media’s fascination with her love life. The post garnered over 2 million likes within hours, with comments ranging from “You deserve this happiness” to “Shame on you for not mentioning the father of your children.”
In the age of Instagram, every move by celebrities is scrutinized. Bündchen’s post fits a pattern of ex-spouses navigating public platforms: some choose to co-post and show unity, like Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, while others maintain a strict divide, like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Bündchen’s approach aligns with the latter, emphasizing her new identity as a wife and mother in a blended family.
The media coverage in Germany—where the original article appeared—reflected the same narrative: “Love for Joaquim, cold shoulder for Tom.” The story was picked up by international outlets, further cementing the idea that Bündchen has turned a new page. For her fans, it is a testament to her strength; for critics, it is a calculated PR move.
What’s Next for Bündchen and Valente?
Looking forward, Bündchen shows no signs of slowing down. She is reportedly working on a new documentary about environmental activism and plans to expand her wellness app. Valente, meanwhile, continues to teach Jiu-Jitsu and has become a popular figure in the Miami fitness scene. The couple’s son, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, is the center of their universe.
As for Brady, he remains busy with his media career and philanthropic initiatives. He has not ruled out another relationship but seems focused on his children and his post-football legacy. The two are likely to cross paths at school events or family milestones, but their lives have diverged significantly.
In the end, Gisele Bündchen’s Father’s Day post is more than just a tribute—it is a statement of independence and happiness. She is no longer the long-suffering wife of a sports icon; she is the matriarch of a new family, with a partner who shares her values and a future full of promise. Whether Tom Brady feels a “sting in the heart,” as the original article speculates, is irrelevant to her. Bündchen is too busy living her best life to look back.
Source: bild.de News